Michaela Marie Normile

Michaela Diamond Normile, 32, of Longmont, Colorado, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by love. Born in Colorado Springs and raised in Palmer Lake, she lived her life by two guiding principles: making a positive difference in people's lives and living authentically. She attended the University of Denver, where she studied accounting, developed fluency in Spanish, and learned how to fight injustice.

Those who knew Michaela understood she never did anything halfway. Whether it was working hard on her education to be at the top of her class, scaling a challenging rock face, or navigating an unfamiliar city in a foreign land, she possessed a fearless spirit, intense drive, and awe-inspiring determination. Her travels took her throughout Europe, New Zealand, South America, and Central America, sometimes for months at a time, but the draw of the mountains where she was born always brought her home.

After a few years of working in accounting and finance, she realized she wouldn't be able to make a difference in the world working for a big corporation, so she devoted herself to teaching the next generation, volunteering at Casa De Paz, and protesting for human rights. She worked harder than most during the week, but as it was almost prophetic for someone born on a Friday who died on a Sunday, she filled her weekends with adventure and fun. Michaela loved to explore the trails and natural beauty near her home, first in Palmer Lake, then in Denver, Boulder, and ultimately, Longmont. In the winter, she loved to ski at Breckenridge and in the Northern Colorado backcountry.

Michaela is survived by her beloved spouse, Patrick Normile, their loyal dog, Gracie, her devoted parents, Mike and Teri Diamond, and her siblings, Bethany and Colin. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Dave and Jan Balzer, and John and Marge Diamond, who would be so proud of the compassionate, brave woman she became.

In keeping with Michaela's wishes, a private celebration of life will be held for close family and friends. The family requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made to EFAA of Boulder County or Casa De Paz. These two organizations were close to Michaela's heart in their missions to serve communities in need.

Michaela's legacy lives on in every person who chooses courage over comfort, authenticity over approval, and love over fear. As she would say, "Feel the fear-and do it anyway!"